WHY PUBLIC DEFENDERS SHOULD JOIN NHACDL

 AND RENEW THEIR MEMBERSHIPS

    There are over one hundred public defenders in the State.  Approximately forty percent are NHACDL members.  If you are one of the others, here is why you should join.

    First, we need you.  We need your expertise and your familiarity with the day to day practice and culture in your specific jurisdiction.  We need you to participate in our email discussion group (the listserv) and to help us provide support to the entire criminal defense bar in this state. 

    Second, you need us.  NHACDL members include some of the most senior and experienced criminal defense lawyers in New Hampshire.  Additionally, many NHACDL members have broader practices.  By joining NHACDL and by participating on the listserv, you can tap into a breadth of experience that you won't find in your own office.  Those of us who are no longer public defenders (and those who have never been), are  familiar with issues facing your clients that do not relate directly to the criminal process, e.g. motor vehicle license issues; immigration issues and procedure; public benefits such as SSI, SSD, TANF, etc.; civil liability and insurance;  potential civil claims; and the rights of prisoners and pretrial detainees.  While you are not generally appointed to deal with these issues, often you need to get some quick answers before you do something that might prejudice your client's rights.  The NHACDL listserv can be an invaluable resource for this.

    Additionally, NHACDL speaks up for your clients in the New Hampshire Legislature and the courts.  Our most recent legislative report can be found here.  We are actively pressing to get the Kidder decision "overruled" by the legislature (with respect to legitimate attorney/investigator contact with witnesses) and we advocated strongly for the recently enacted statute permitting ex parte 604-A:6 requests.  We've been heard on the proposed sex offender sentencing legislation and we've asked for a statute that requires all custodial confessions to be recorded.  Recently we provided direct support to a NHPD client in the form of an amicus brief in the First Circuit. 

    Third, we need each other.  We share the same mission.  We are doing the job that the founders gave us when they wrote the Sixth Amendment.  We are here to ensure fair treatment and fair trials.  We stand with you.  Please stand with us.